Project Overview
The King Transmission Connection project will deliver solar energy from western Wisconsin to the existing grid connection at the King plant location after the plant retires in 2028, which will then serve customers throughout the region. The transmission line will be about 15 miles long.
The first phase of the Ten Mile Creek solar project, located in central and eastern St. Croix County (Wisconsin), will provide up to 350 megawatts of energy to customers. Providing this electricity to customers while using the existing transmission connection is the least cost option as the King plant retires in 2028.
Ten Mile Creek Solar Project
In addition to the King Transmission Connection, we are also proposing the Ten Mile Creek Solar Project in central St. Croix County. Details on the Ten Mile Creek Solar Project are available here.
Proposed Routes:
Xcel Energy will propose two route options, as required by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW), which will evaluate the projects. One proposed transmission line route will upgrade the existing structures that cross the St. Croix River and double-circuit a new 230-kV line with an existing 115-kV line for about 15 miles, and another generally follows field and section lines. The PSCW will review both routes and make a final decision on which route has the least impacts if the overall project is approved.
Regulatory process
Following feedback from the community, local governments and other stakeholders, we will file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The application will cover both the proposed solar project and the transmission line and is expected to be filed in mid-2025. The PSCW would then begin their process which includes reviewing the application, doing studies and holding public hearings. The PSCW process will take 12-18 months after the application is filed.
Project Status
Xcel Energy expects to file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in early 2025. A decision would be expected in early 2026 with construction beginning later that year. The public can also provide input on the project using the comment form below.